Blackhawks lock up Toews, Kane

EditorsNote: Adds $84 million in second graph Blackhawks lock up Toews, Kane

The Chicago Blackhawks agreed to terms with forwards Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane on eight-year contract extensions, which run through the 2022-23 season, the team announced Wednesday.

Each contract is worth a total of $84 million, ESPN.com reported. Toews and Kane previously agreed to matching five-year, $31.5 million extensions in 2009 that were set to expire after this coming season.

A formal press conference will be held at the United Center next week.

"Jonathan and Patrick have become cornerstones of this franchise during their time in Chicago," general manager Stan Bowman said in a statement. "We are excited to ensure they will continue to lead our organization for years to come."

Toews, 26, became the youngest captain in Blackhawks history, third-youngest in NHL history, on July 18, 2008 and has guided the organization to two Stanley Cup championships during his time in Chicago.

"I could not be more grateful for the amazing moments and opportunities I've been given by the Chicago Blackhawks," Toews said in a release. "There's no organization in sports that cares more about the overall experience of their fans and the success of their players. To have the chance to continue with this amazing group of teammates and people throughout the organization is an incredible honor. There's nothing we want more as players than to continue to win Stanley Cups for the best hockey fans on the planet."

Toews became the second-youngest player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP following the Blackhawks' 2010 championship, the franchise's first title in 49 years. He won the NHL's Frank J. Selke Trophy, given annually to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game, in 2013 and was a finalist for the award in 2011 and 2014. Toews was also a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's top rookie in 2008 and was selected for the NHL All-Star Game in 2009, 2011 and 2012. He was named to the NHL's Second All-Star Team following the 2013 campaign.

The Winnipeg, Manitoba, native has recorded 440 points (195 goals, 245 assists) in 484 career regular-season games with the Blackhawks, since making his debut during the 2007-08 campaign. He shares fifth on the franchise's all-time list in game-winning goals (six), is 20th in goals, 22nd in points and is tied for 27th in assists. He has recorded 81 points (29 goals, 52 assists) in 94 career postseason games with the Blackhawks, ranking sixth in franchise history in playoff points, seventh in assists and ninth in goals. He is also the all-time franchise leader with 10 postseason game-winning goals.

Toews is a two-time Olympic champion, helping Canada to back-to-back gold medals in 2010 and 2014. He has also represented Canada at two World Championships, earning a gold medal in 2007 and a silver in 2008, and two World Junior Championships, winning gold medals in 2006 and 2007.

Kane, 25, has helped the Blackhawks to two Stanley Cup championships, scoring the series-clinching goal in Game 6 of the 2010 Stanley Cup Final and winning the Conn Smythe Trophy following the 2013 title.

"It's great to be able to continue my career in Chicago," Kane said in a release. "Playing with the best organization in sports and the best fans in the game is a blessing. Since I was drafted by the Blackhawks, the people of Chicago have really embraced me and treated me with nothing but respect. I look forward to many more years of success with the Blackhawks."

Kane captured the 2008 Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year and has been selected to participate in the NHL All-Star Game three times: 2009, 2011 and 2012. Kane was also selected as an NHL First-Team All-Star in 2010 and named to the All-Rookie Team in 2008.

The Buffalo, N.Y., native has registered 493 points (178 goals, 315 assists) in 515 career regular-season games with Chicago dating back to 2007-08. He ranks 12th in team history in assists, is 15th in points and 21st in goals. He also ranks 11th in franchise history with 30 game-winning goals.

Kane has posted 91 points (37 goals, 54 assists) in 93 career Stanley Cup playoff games with Chicago, ranking fifth in team history in playoff points and goals, and sixth in assists. He shares second in Blackhawks history with two playoff hat tricks and is third with seven postseason game-winning tallies.

Kane has represented the United States in two Winter Olympics, winning a silver medal in the 2010 Games in Vancouver. He also appeared for the U.S. in the 2008 World Championships and won a bronze medal at the 2007 World Junior Championships.

"When we started our journey we made a commitment to our fans to be relevant and to see the Chicago Blackhawks become the best professional hockey organization. There are not two finer symbols of that than Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane," chairman Rocky Wirtz said in a statement. "The commitment we have made to these incredible young men is equal to the commitment they have made to our team, our fans, our entire organization and the city of Chicago. We are excited for our future and proud that they will continue to be a part of that commitment and success for years to come."

President and CEO John McDonough said, "The signings of Jonathan and Patrick symbolize an important milestone in franchise history. We are driven by the pursuit of consistent excellence and today is a huge step forward."